1 February 2016 - The original i20 was one of Hyundai Motor’s first truly European vehicles, designed, developed and built in the region.

It later featured a progressive design and hexagonal grille that became a hallmark of Hyundai design.

The design of i20 was led at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

The distinctive design was influenced by the latest interpretation of Hyundai Motors’s design philosophy, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, with the clean and elegant lines giving it a sophisticated appearance.

With a larger platform than its predecessor, the wheelbase of the i20 5-door is 45 mm longer (now 2570 mm) than the previous model, meaning the wheels are closer to each corner. The European design team paid particular attention to achieving balanced proportions, with the generous shape and long bonnet creating a powerful stance.

Compared to its predecessor, the i20 5-door is longer, wider and lower. The bodyshell is 40 mm longer (overall length 4035 mm) and 16 mm lower (overall height 1474 mm). The width has increased by 24 mm (overall 1734 mm) making it one of the widest cars in its class. The overhangs at the front of the vehicle have been shortened to communicate the dynamic qualities of the driver experience.

Exterior dimensions (mm)

i20 5-door / +/- / Original i20

Length

4035 / +40 / 3995

Width

1734 / +24 / 1710

Height

1474 / -16 / 1490

Wheelbase

2570 / +45 / 2525

Overhang (front)

815 / - / 815

Overhang (rear)

650 / -5 / 655

The bodyshell incorporates a single feature line running the length of the vehicle just below the windows and connecting at the rear. A waistline moulding at the base of the door – first exhibited on the New Generation i10 – creates a sleek profile, which is complemented by the soft, sculptured ‘undercuts’ of the body panels.

The European team has created a bold front aesthetic that now features a distinctive dual-element grille. The upright chrome-framed hexagonal grille has been lowered for design and engineering purposes, while a thin, horizontal grille connecting the bi-function headlamps (incorporating daytime running lights), emphasises the width of the vehicle. Reinforcing the vehicle’s purposeful stance, the wheel arches subtly flow into the long bonnet.

On i20, the A-pillars are thinner, shorter and more upright, achieved via the use of advanced high-strength steel. The redesigned pillar creates more interior space for occupants as well as enhancing the driver’s field of vision, making exiting junctions safer and manoeuvring in tight city spaces easier.

At the rear, the i20 features a wrap-around, gloss-finished black C-pillar that gives the impression of a floating roofline. The feature line that runs the length of the vehicle connects at the rear – dropping subtly below the rear window to improve visibility.

The lamp clusters wrap around the rear wing into the boot lid and feature a distinctive ‘boomerang’ LED design.

The bold and distinctive shape of the new i20 gives the car a unique personality, which is underlined by the premium look of the headlamps and rear LED light cluster. For example, the concave element below the rear lamp expresses the 3 dimensional and sculptural aspect of Hyundai’s design language.

Thomas BürkleChief Designer at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe

The purposeful appearance of i20 5-door is emphasised by its long hood, low roofline and sharp crease line that combine to achieve a more streamlined vehicle, lowering the car’s aerodynamic drag figure to 0.30 Cd (from 0.32 Cd for the previous i20).

At the rear, i20 5-door features a large tailgate for ease of loading into its generous boot space (up 10% on the previous generation car to a maximum of 326 litres). The 1027 mm wide opening is one of the broadest in the segment.

The reversing lamp has been integrated into the rear bumper – a first for Hyundai. The decision to re-position the lamp was based purely on design factors, allowing greater styling flexibility within the rear LED lamp cluster.

The broad appeal of the i20 to new and existing customers will be further enhanced by a wide range of interior and exterior colour options. The new model will be available in eight vibrant exterior shades, comprising one solid (Polar White), four metallic (Aqua Sparkling, Iced Coffee, Sleek Silver and Star-Dust Grey) and three pearl (Mandarin Orange, Phantom Black and Red Passion).

All of i20’s key surfaces are colour coded to provide a connected and premium feel for the interior space. Each interior colour took inspiration from everyday items, giving each its own distinctive character. The colours have been designed to create an elegant and calm interior environment, with the colour blocks throughout the cabin visible from the outside and complementing the exterior colour.

A coloured inlay that runs the full width of the dashboard and around the handle on the door emphasises the width and available space, giving the cabin a brighter feel. Encompassing redesigned air vents which have been shaped specifically to provide better air flow into and around the cabin, the new i20 inlay matches the colour of the seat and door armrest upholstery for an integrated look and feel.

The refined stitching of the seat padding was developed and executed to the highest standards to be functional and stylish, in keeping with the rest of the interior design.

Hyundai Motor’s ergonomics team worked to produce ‘functional clustering’ of the key technologies, grouping together instrumentation such as the audio, heating and ventilation, and powered window systems, to ensure a cleaner cabin visual.

Customers looking for an even more purposeful and rugged i20 can opt for the new i20 Active compact crossover. With a ride height raised by 20mm over other i20 models, and fitted with roof rails, unique bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels, the Active offers B-segment customers crossover styling with city-friendly dimensions.*

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